About Cathy Work With Cathy Podcast

Hi There! I'm Cathy

A Caregiver & Host of The
Caregiver Cup Podcast

Seven years ago, my world was turned upside down. Within just two weeks, the two most important men in my life were diagnosed with Stage 4 cancers. Overnight, I was thrust into the demanding roles of caregiver, while trying to maintain my corporate career and healthy lifestyle.

I quickly discovered that balance is a myth. I hit rock bottom fast – anxiety, stress, and overwhelm were at their worst. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed, moments when I couldn’t focus, times I resented my new caregiving responsibilities, and countless instances where I simply couldn’t figure out how to cope.

Today, I’m here to share my journey – the experiences, lessons learned, and strategies that helped me transform from burnout to moments of joy, from resentment to peace, and from unhealthy to empowered.

 

Thousands of caregivers turn to me for advice, community, and the tools to become their best caregiver selves.

 

You don’t have to navigate this path alone.

When you understand and embrace your caregiving journey, you can map out your personalized path to more joy, peace, and fulfillment, becoming the best caregiver you can be.

Ready to transform your caregiving journey?

Empowering Caregivers

I'm on a mission to empower caregivers to prioritize their own well-being, understanding that you can't pour from an empty cup. My goal is to equip every woman caregiver with the tools and personal plan they need to show up as their best self, navigating this challenging journey with resilience and grace.

Caregiving is a long and demanding path, and sustaining it requires taking care of yourself first. My goal is to provide proven tips and practices that make your caregiving experience more manageable, fulfilling, and even joyful.

I want you to look back on this caregiving journey with pride—knowing that you cared for your loved one with compassion while also nurturing your own health and happiness.

Together, we can transform caregiving into a path of strength, joy, and empowerment by putting your well-being at the forefront.

Why I do it

After years of caregiving, I felt called to share my experiences, lessons learned, and strategies to help others on this journey.

Caregiving can be lonely, and resources are often limited.

Many of my successes were self-taught through my own experiences, and I understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.

Each caregiver, loved one, and challenge is unique.

I’m here to help you shift your mindset, develop a personalized roadmap, and provide the support you need.

I’ve learned to validate my emotions and challenges, and now I want to help you create personalized habits that protect your well-being so you can show up as your best self.

Work With Me

Ways to work with me 

EMPOWERFUL CAREGIVER SCHOOL

Discover this transformational course designed to provide you with extensive coaching, a supportive community, personalized toolkit, videos, workbooks, and resources.

Empower yourself to navigate caregiving with confidence, control, and joy. Join us today and transform your caregiving journey!

Learn More / Join Us
INDIVIDUAL COACHING

Experience the convenience and effectiveness of One on One Coaching, designed to provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique challenges and emotions. Together, we'll build your personalized toolkit with the tools and resources you need, ensuring you achieve results faster and more efficiently. Let's transform your caregiving journey with expert support at your convenience.

Let's Work Together
CAREGIVER CUP PODCAST

Tune in for weekly episodes that empower caregivers like you to prioritize self-care and show up as their best selves. I share my personal experiences, valuable resources, practical tips, and insightful guest interviews to support you through the challenges and emotions of caregiver life. Join us and transform your caregiving journey!

Listen / Subscribe

It's my belief that 

everyone should have the opportunity to thrive as a caregiver

without losing their own well-being. Let me show you how to build your personalized toolkit for immediate moments of joy and long-term resilience, so you can face daily challenges with confidence and grace.

Work With Me

My Caregiving Journey

Labor Day Weekend 2017 ___

Saturday evening, my mom called with worry in her voice: Dad's CT scan showed Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. By Tuesday, he had an endoscopic procedure. Shock, denial, and anger hit hard. How would I care for my parents 100 miles away?

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___ Two Weeks Later

I had barely been home. Denis, my husband, revealed lumps in his groin and underarms. I knew it was serious. Blood work, biopsy, and PET scan confirmed it: Stage 4 Chronic  Lymphatic Leukemia.

___ Labor Day Weekend 2017 

Saturday evening, my mom called with worry in her voice: Dad's CT scan showed Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. By Tuesday, he had an endoscopic procedure. Shock, denial, and anger hit hard. How would I care for my parents 100 miles away?

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___ Two Weeks Later

I had barely been home. Denis, my husband, revealed lumps in his groin and underarms. I knew it was serious. Blood work, biopsy, and PET scan confirmed it: Stage 4 Chronic  Lymphatic Leukemia.

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New Reality ___

The following months were a whirlwind of chemotherapy appointments for both Dad and Denis, balancing my corporate career, my business, and caregiving for the two men in my life. It was a roller coaster of emotions, stress, and exhaustion.

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___ Home Hospice April 2018

Within 8 months, my Dad lost his battle. I spent his final 18 days with him in his cabin, alongside my mom and siblings. Honoring his wish to be at home, we carried the caregiving weight—sleepless nights, stress, worry, and the emotional pain of watching and waiting. It was incredibly hard, emotional, and ultimately rewarding.

___ New Reality 

The following months were a whirlwind of chemotherapy appointments for both Dad and Denis, balancing my corporate career, my business, and caregiving for the two men in my life. It was a roller coaster of emotions, stress, and exhaustion.

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___ Home Hospice April 2018

Within 8 months, my Dad lost his battle. I spent his final 18 days with him in his cabin, alongside my mom and siblings. Honoring his wish to be at home, we carried the caregiving weight—sleepless nights, stress, worry, and the emotional pain of watching and waiting. It was incredibly hard, emotional, and ultimately rewarding.

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Ovewhelmed / Summer 2018 ___

In Summer 2018, I was engulfed in grief while caring for my grieving Mom. Helping her navigate estate matters—selling the home, Dad's vehicle, boat, and ATV, and finding a new place close to me—was overwhelming. Meanwhile, Denis continued his battle with cancer, adding to the strain of this incredibly difficult season.

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___ Breaking Point / Fall 2018

That fall, I reached my breaking point. Overwhelmed and burnt out, I was unable to function—depressed, stuck, sleepless, and physically ill. It was my tipping point and biggest awakening. After hours in a park, releasing my emotions and processing my thoughts, I began a new path: prioritizing my health, asking for help, and being realistic about my expectations.

___ Ovewhelmed / Summer 2018 

In Summer 2018, I was engulfed in grief while caring for my grieving Mom. Helping her navigate estate matters—selling the home, Dad's vehicle, boat, and ATV, and finding a new place close to me—was overwhelming. Meanwhile, Denis continued his battle with cancer, adding to the strain of this incredibly difficult season.

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___ Breaking Point / Fall 2018

That fall, I reached my breaking point. Overwhelmed and burnt out, I was unable to function—depressed, stuck, sleepless, and physically ill. It was my tipping point and biggest awakening. After hours in a park, releasing my emotions and processing my thoughts, I began a new path: prioritizing my health, asking for help, and being realistic about my expectations.

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Finding a New Normal / 2019 ___

2019 brought a bit of normalcy. Denis' cancer went into remission, allowing him to finally get his much- needed knee replacement, testing my caregiver nursing skills.

Mom settled into her senior living apartment, and I quickly learned to refine a schedule to meet her needs. I created Sunday Funday for quality time with her and leaned on family and friends for support.

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___ Answering the Call / 2020

As life kept moving with caregiving, my corporate career, family, and more, I felt a calling to help other caregivers by sharing my experiences and lessons learned.

Exploring ways to share my voice, I took a podcast course. Amid the pandemic and quarantine, (since caregiving doesn’t stop), I launched The Caregiver Cup Podcast in October 2020.

___ Finding a New Normal / 2019 

2019 brought a bit of normalcy. Denis' cancer went into remission, allowing him to finally get his much- needed knee replacement, testing my caregiver nursing skills.

Mom settled into her senior living apartment, and I quickly learned to refine a schedule to meet her needs. I created Sunday Funday for quality time with her and leaned on family and friends for support.

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___ Answering the Call / 2020

As life kept moving with caregiving, my corporate career, family, and more, I felt a calling to help other caregivers by sharing my experiences and lessons learned.

Exploring ways to share my voice, I took a podcast course. Amid the pandemic and quarantine, (since caregiving doesn’t stop), I launched The Caregiver Cup Podcast in October 2020.

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High Speed Chaos / 2021 ___

In 2021, cancer returned with a vengeance. Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, and Denis’ cancer morphed into Hodgkin’s lymphoma, requiring frequent oncology visits, treatments, and home care.

Meanwhile, my corporate role underwent a major restructure, introducing a new team, boss, and additional projects. Life shifted from cruise control to high speed.

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___ High Speed Chaos / 2021 

In 2021, cancer returned with a vengeance. Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, and Denis’ cancer morphed into Hodgkin’s lymphoma, requiring frequent oncology visits, treatments, and home care.

Meanwhile, my corporate role underwent a major restructure, introducing a new team, boss, and additional projects. Life shifted from cruise control to high speed.

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___ Health Wake-Up Call / Fall 2021

Fall of 2021 brought new health challenges for me. Despite my efforts to focus on my well being, I couldn't avoid COVID. I ended up hospitalized for four days, and although I was released, the recovery took time. This experience taught me that I couldn't sustain this chaotic season without help and more rest.

Meeting with a caregiver coach, I implemented new strategies, including more help, respite days, and therapy. This pivotal moment reinforced the necessity of prioritizing my own health amidst the caregiving demands.

___ Health Wake-Up Call / Fall 2021

Fall of 2021 brought new health challenges for me. Despite my efforts to focus on my well being, I couldn't avoid COVID. I ended up hospitalized for four days, and although I was released, the recovery took time. This experience taught me that I couldn't sustain this chaotic season without help and more rest.

Meeting with a caregiver coach, I implemented new strategies, including more help, respite days, and therapy. This pivotal moment reinforced the necessity of prioritizing my own health amidst the caregiving demands.

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High Speed Chaos / 2021 ___

In 2021, cancer returned with a vengeance. Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, and Denis’ cancer morphed into Hodgkin’s lymphoma, requiring frequent oncology visits, treatments, and home care.

Meanwhile, my corporate role underwent a major restructure, introducing a new team, boss, and additional projects. Life shifted from cruise control to high speed.

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___ High Speed Chaos / 2021 

In 2021, cancer returned with a vengeance. Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, and Denis’ cancer morphed into Hodgkin’s lymphoma, requiring frequent oncology visits, treatments, and home care.

Meanwhile, my corporate role underwent a major restructure, introducing a new team, boss, and additional projects. Life shifted from cruise control to high speed.

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___ Health Wake-Up Call / Fall 2021

Fall of 2021 brought new health challenges for me. Despite my efforts to focus on my well being, I couldn't avoid COVID. I ended up hospitalized for four days, and although I was released, the recovery took time. This experience taught me that I couldn't sustain this chaotic season without help and more rest.

Meeting with a caregiver coach, I implemented new strategies, including more help, respite days, and therapy. This pivotal moment reinforced the necessity of prioritizing my own health amidst the caregiving demands.

___ Health Wake-Up Call / Fall 2021

Fall of 2021 brought new health challenges for me. Despite my efforts to focus on my well being, I couldn't avoid COVID. I ended up hospitalized for four days, and although I was released, the recovery took time. This experience taught me that I couldn't sustain this chaotic season without help and more rest.

Meeting with a caregiver coach, I implemented new strategies, including more help, respite days, and therapy. This pivotal moment reinforced the necessity of prioritizing my own health amidst the caregiving demands.

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Empowered Mindset /
Early 2022 ___

Entering 2022 with an empowered caregiver mindset, I prioritized my well-being and showed up as my best self. It was a timely shift, as life was about to get rocky once again.

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___ Empowered Mindset /
Early 2022 

Entering 2022 with an empowered caregiver mindset, I prioritized my well-being and showed up as my best self. It was a timely shift, as life was about to get rocky once again.

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___ Stem Cell Journey / February 2022

Denis' next step was a stem cell transplant. In February 2022, we spent 6 weeks at Froedtert Hospital and Kathy's House, 200 miles from home. My focus was being Denis' nurse and advocate, while relying on help for my fur babies, home, and Mom's care.

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___ Empowered Mindset /
Early 2022 

Entering 2022 with an empowered caregiver mindset, I prioritized my well-being and showed up as my best self. It was a timely shift, as life was about to get rocky once again.

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___ Stem Cell Journey / February 2022

Denis' next step was a stem cell transplant. In February 2022, we spent 6 weeks at Froedtert Hospital and Kathy's House, 200 miles from home. My focus was being Denis' nurse and advocate, while relying on help for my fur babies, home, and Mom's care.

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Bitterweet Homecoming /
April 2022 ___

I was excited, but nervous to get home. Weplanned and were proactive to prevent infection. I was grateful for family and friends who helped me with our safe and warm homecoming.

Little did I know that life would change again within 2 weeks. Our 7-month-old lab, who missed us dearly, went into liver failure and two weeks later, we lost her. Change was happening so fast that I became numb.

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___ Celebrations & Normalcy /
Summer 2022

The summer of 2022 brought blessings and celebrations. Our grandchildren’s graduations, birthday parties, soccer games, and plays filled our days with joy..

___ Bitterweet Homecoming / April 2022

I was excited, but nervous to get home. Weplanned and were proactive to prevent infection. I was grateful for family and friends who helped me with our safe and warm homecoming.

Little did I know that life would change again within 2 weeks. Our 7-month-old lab, who missed us dearly, went into liver failure and two weeks later, we lost her. Change was happening so fast that I became numb.

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___ Celebrations & Normalcy / Summer 2022

The summer of 2022 brought blessings and celebrations. Our grandchildren’s graduations, birthday parties, soccer games, and plays filled our days with joy..

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Caregiver Coaching ___

I launched The Caregiver Cup Coaching business in July and proudly coaching 25 caregivers through the year.

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___ A Heartbreaking and Unexpected Goodbye / Fall 2022

But again, caregiver life changed fast. My mom's health rapidly declined, and in September 2022, she entered home hospice care. Within weeks, her condition worsened.

My siblings and I spent her final 10 days by her side at home, and we lost Mom on October 1.

___ Caregiver Coaching 

I launched The Caregiver Cup Coaching business in July and proudly coaching 25 caregivers through the year.

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___ A Heartbreaking and Unexpected Goodbye / Fall 2022

But again, caregiver life changed fast. My mom's health rapidly declined, and in September 2022, she entered home hospice care. Within weeks, her condition worsened.

My siblings and I spent her final 10 days by her side at home, and we lost Mom on October 1.

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A Year of Healing and New Focus / 2023 ___

I declared 2023 as my year of healing. This was the first time I was caregiving for one. I made the decision to retire from my corporate job of 33 yearsand solely focus on myself and helping other caregivers.

The Caregiver Cup Podcast ranked as one of the top caregiver podcasts. I continued coaching caregivers and launched The Empowerful Caregiver course.

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___ Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience / 2024

Denis' cancer returned in late 2023, and I continue to be his advocate and caregiver. As my seventh caregiving anniversary approaches, I embrace all the challenges that have taught me to be a better caregiver. I continue to build a personalized toolkit to navigate the intricacies of caregiving life.

My mission remains to help each caregiver find joy in their journey and develop their personalized toolkit, enabling them to be their best selves. It all starts with prioritizing their own well-being by customizing what works for them in the season of caregiving they are in.

___ A Year of Healing and New Focus / 2023 

I declared 2023 as my year of healing. This was the first time I was caregiving for one. I made the decision to retire from my corporate job of 33 yearsand solely focus on myself and helping other caregivers.

The Caregiver Cup Podcast ranked as one of the top caregiver podcasts. I continued coaching caregivers and launched The Empowerful Caregiver course.

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___ Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience / 2024

Denis' cancer returned in late 2023, and I continue to be his advocate and caregiver. As my seventh caregiving anniversary approaches, I embrace all the challenges that have taught me to be a better caregiver. I continue to build a personalized toolkit to navigate the intricacies of caregiving life.

My mission remains to help each caregiver find joy in their journey and develop their personalized toolkit, enabling them to be their best selves. It all starts with prioritizing their own well-being by customizing what works for them in the season of caregiving they are in.

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Fun facts

 

I'm a messy cook and prefer to garden and decorate over making dinner.

 

I hired a dog trainer and am training my two dogs, Lucy and Eddie

 

I love my coffee black and super hot.

 

I ran 9 half marathons and 3 tough mudders after the age of 49.

 

I was an NFL cheerleader and still bring that energy to every caregiving day!